The next day, Ashwin was pacifying a grumpy Sivaangi, asking her to accept something. WIth Rakshan and Mrini seated comfortably on the floor mat watching the show, Ashwin threw a pillow on Rakshan's face.

Ashwin: Inga enna padama odudhu?

"Athu thothu pochu da ungakitta" Rakshan murmured such that the only Mrini could hear and they whisper giggled at his comment. Clearing his throat, Rakshan called SIvaangi to sit beside him. Sivaangi sat down with folded legs and hit Mrini on her hand.

SIvaangi: She is the only reason for all this chaos.

Mrini let out a "I am an innocent" look and faced Ashwin with her ever famous puppy face, asking for help. Ashwin chuckled and sat down, right infront of Sivaangi, who was next to Rakshan.

Ashwin: She is not at fault. She did the right thing.

Sivaangi: No, naa othukave maaten. Singing competition, adhuvum the winner will be singing for the ever famous music director, no... no... no.... vaaipe illai.

Rakshan: Thangam, nalla opportunity ma. You'll have more exposure and you might end up having more connections. This can be a good start for your career.

Sivaangi: Illa thangam, I cannot do this.

Ashwin: Please accept it Sivaangi, this is a great opportunity for you. You can do it, don't underestimate yourself.

Sivaangi: Ashwin, illa ma I cannot. Had I known that Mrini was about to send a recorded song of mine on the very first day you and I met, I would have definitely stopped her by any hook or crook.

Mrinalini: And that's the only reason for me to hide it from you. Just think on a positive perspective Minion, that day even I was procrastinating whether to send it to the company or not. But with anna's words, I got a new hope and sent it. Just get this into your head okay, you have been selected as one among the lakhs of voices that were sent to them. After a two month filteration process, they have taken ten contestants and you are one among them.

Ashwin: This is not something easy, Panda. Will they select someone who's not efficient in singing. Think Sivaangi, think.

He squinted his eyes like her and received a free hit from her.

Sivaangi: After her, you are responsible for this. Had you not let out those philosophical words that day, she wouldn't have got the guts to send it. Adhuku thaan apdi ukandhu irundhiya di nee?

Mrini let out a sheepish smile and hid behind Ashwin to save herself from Sivaangi's hits. Ashwin held her hands in his firm grip, caging her movement.

Ashwin: Illa naalum anupi iruppa. Look Panda, you are going to participate that's it. You are going to do it for me okay?

Sivaangi sulked and Ashwin got up from the mat. Sivaangi followed him and he asked her to follow him.

Ashwin: Neenga ellarum irunga, naanga pesitu vandhudrom.

Ashwin and Sivaangi left while all others got up.

Raji: Avlothaan ippodhaiku vara maatanga. Dei ponga da poi padinga, Raksha nee kadala podu un aaloda. Naa konjam thoongi ezhundhutu varen. Lunch seiyadhinga, naa samachi eduthutu vandhudren.

The gang dispersed to do their works and the best friends duo reached Ashwin's room. She sat on the bed, dangling her legs slowly with a sigh.

Ashwin: What's stopping you Sivaangi?

Sivaangi: Nothing paa, I am nervous as hell. Athaan pogala nu sonnen.

Ashwin: If you are worried about winning the competition, then that's of no use, SIvaangi. Participate panna thaana nee endha idathula irukka nu theriyum. And if you are worried about people disliking your singing, again the only solution is to try and see. My Sivaangi is a fighter, fight like a princess. Not the princess who just stays in the castle basking in her comfort, fight like a warrior princess who can handle herself and win hardest battles as well.

Aprom un ishtam, naa solla onnum illai.

Sivaangi: Adhu epdi Ashwineyyy othuka vecha aprom ipdi perform pandringa? Naa othupen nu therinji thaana andha last dialogue ah eyewash ku adichi vidringa?

Ashwin smiled showing all his teeth but frowned when she smirked.

Ashwin: Sirippe seri illaiye....

Sivaangi: Seri illa thaan

She got up and faced him with her swag look. Ashwin's lips curve down in appreciation and bows his head down in front of her.

Ashwin: Edho plan pannita, enna nu sollu

Sivaangi: I have three conditions before I step into the competition, sir.

Ashwin: List them out, madam.

Sivaangi giggled and continued.

Sivaangi: Condition number one, I will come to our home whenever I feel like. Studies adhu idhu nu enna stop panna koodadhu.

Ashwin: Sivaangiii....

Sivaangi: Seri okay, no issues. If meeting you distracts me from my studies, then even the competition will. So, I'll drop the idea of joining the competition and won't come to meet you too. Tata Ashwineyyy...

Sivaangi waved her hands and walked away. The door opening sound got his attention back and he quickly walked towards her, holding her wrist. She raised her eyebrows gesturing a what to which he shook his head in disbelief and caged her in his arms.

Ashwin: Accepted. Next?

Sivaangi grinned, showing her dimples and stood up on her toes, hugging his neck.

Sivaangi: I know how to make you accept, dear lecturer.

Ashwin: And so do I, dear student.

Sivaangi chuckled and stood on her feet, releasing her arms from his neck. Before she spoke, his finger was on her lips, shutting her off. He leaned forward, whispering in her ear.

Ashwin: List out as much conditions as you want. Do whatever you feel like, make me dance to your tunes but don't forget, I can play better.

Sivaangi stood dumbfound hearing him and breathed hard when he leaned more towards her ear.

Ashwin: Do you get that, Peaches?

Her lips parted hearing a new nickname from him and he laughed, pushing her chin up to close her mouth.

Ashwin: Ippo sollu, are you ready for the competition?

Sivaangi took away his finger from her lips and pulled back, entwining their hands together.

Sivaangi: Born ready. And mister, I want to clarify another thing.

Ashwin: Sollu paapa.

Sivaangi: Yesterday, we were talking about my studies and you will be a distraction and all la, loosa pa neenga?

Ashwin: Enna ma ipdi kekura?

Sivaangi: Pinna enna Ashwineyyy? Namakku pudichavanga enaikume namakku distraction ah irukka maatanga pa, they'll only help and push us high. They will stand beside and guide us at every step. And even after spending time with you and our friends, if I am having good grades isn't that perfect?

Should I sacrifice everything now and regret later? Neengale sollunga...

Ashwin stood infront of her with a smile, placing a finger on his lips and rotated his head in all directions.

Ashwin: Neenga sonna seri thaanungoo, naa maruthu pesa mudiyuma?

Sivaangi: Haan adhu...

She giggled, clapping her hands and Ashwin leanes on the door, watching her deeply as if he doesn't see her like that, she would vanish in air. He used to gaze the cosmic bodies up in the sky all time before her arrival, but after she entered his life he didn't have the need to look at those poor non-living masses as her eyes were deep than that of the black holes, her face was much brighter than the moon and her whole self was much more heavenly than the whole universe.

How easily a five feet two inch human changed his whole perspective of beauty and mystery. When he really wanted to be independent and stand on his own, he happily depended on this girl for anything and everything. Though he knew that she's one of the most important person in his life, he is yet to understand the depth of his feelings. As usual, the fate and destiny are playing a perfect hide and seek with this man child, with the cupid removing every obstacle to make him realise his inner heart.

Sivaangi: Paa

She shook his arm with her full force as he swinged in her arms like a waving tree. He let her do what she wished, with a bright smile on his face. The deep dimples on his cheeks explained the level of happiness he was experiencing.

Sivaangi: Kai valikudhu paa, naa ungala ulukittu irukken, neenga enna da na sirichitu irukkinga.

He continued smiling with his lips pursed tight as he felt words weren't sufficient for him to blabber out.

Sivaangi: Aama, neenga yen adikadi ipdi aaidringa. Naanum ungala meet panna naal la irundhu paathutu irukken. You zone out at times and every time you zone out, these cute cute dimples of yours are on wide display.

She waited for him to talk but sighed when that human stood like a lighthouse, refusing to open his mouth.

Sivaangi: Ada po ya, naa poren.

She took one step front but the next second, was twirled and caged in his bulky arms. He lifted his left eyebrow and tightened his hold on her. The wind gently grazed her soft skin, tickling out the hair strands and he quietly walked his fingers on her cheek, to tuck them behind her hair. She froze on her spot in surprise, waiting for him to speak up. He had been quiet for a little longer and her ears turned red, yearning to hear his voice.

His eyes were busy, capturing the beauty of her face and he still wished to be like this, with no other sounds other than their thumping life organs. But can his cutie pie be mum this long? That's never going to happen. The Panda clung to him, wrapping his arms around her and pressing her cheek on his muscular chest. She tapped it with her fisted and free palm alternatively, killing time in his arms.

He breathed in complete tranquility and since the previous day, understood how much he missed his human angel when she clung to him like a joey in her mother's pouch. His big palm moved to her soft hair gently caressing it, offering a peaceful comfort. His inner self begged the planet to freeze time so that they can be left like this forever.

A faint knock on the door broke his trance and he saw her, his energy booster having a dreamy slumber. He chuckled and lifted her tenderly like a flower. Her cheek lost the warmth of his chest and he saw her eyes trying to open. He took slow steps and dropped her on the bed, tugging her inside his blanket and her arms automatically hugged his pillow as she pressed her cheek on it. Maybe, the pillow and the blanket carried his fragrance which gave her a feeling of him beside. He stood watching the most precious wonder of his life and turned with a smile, seeing Raji with folded arms.

She saw her grown up child, lost in knots of confused feelings and if she left him for a little more time, she would see her son like a frozen snow man. She was so happy for him and always saw a genuine smile whenever he was around his sleeping beauty.

Raji: Saapda polama sir?

The lighthouse jogged to her, only to give a peck on her cheek and ran out like an excited child. She shook her head with a laugh and saw her son's best friend with a happy smile and prayed to the Almighty, to keep all her children happy, hale and healthy.

Raji came out to see the most decent and well behaved humans, fighting like mice for the gulab jamun which she had prepared. She separated a fighting Ashwin, Rakshan and Mrinalini, who pouted at her for not getting more pieces of the mouth watering delicacy and glared at Krishna, who was licking his fingers after gulping ten gulab jamuns at a single stretch.

Mrinalini freed her hands from Raji and started shouting at her brothers in her high pitched voice.

Mrini: Naa oru extra piece eduthen nu enkitta sandaiku vandhingale, paarunga avana. Pathu saaptutu panni kutty maari ukandhu irukkan. Neenga ellam annanungala illa loosungala?

Ashwin grabbed Krishna's neck and Rakshan started knocking his head while Raji facepalmed at their atrocities.

Ashwin: Yen da, naangale avakitta irukuradha aataiya podalam nu paatha, nee amukku amukku nu amukittu irukka la? Unnala ava engala loosu nu soldra da.

Rakshan; Vidatha machan, adikira adila avan saaptatha ellam velila edukattum.

Krishna struggled against their holds and fumed in a playful anger when Raji took one piece of the delicacy and fed Mrini, murmuring profanities. Rakshan saw this and signalled Ashwin. Now the three mice stared at the little mouse, who hid her face with the free end of Raji's saree.

Ashwin saw her surprised as he remembered his dear best friend and shook his head, releasing his hold from Krishna. Krishna coughed hard and the one who was holding his neck all the while, patted his head and made him drink water.

Krishna: Podhum podhum nadikadhinga sir.

Ashwin: Sir nu kupta marubadiyum pannuven, paravaillaya?

Krishna folded his hands above his head and asked Raji to serve food. Raji started serving and the boys ate as if they starved for days while Mrini ate just the opposite way.

Rakshan: Yen da Mrini ya paathutu Krishna va adikiradha niruthuna?

Rakshan asked his friend curiously to which he smiled in response.

Ashwin: Adhu ennavo theriyala da. Mrini enna pannalum avan pandra maariye irukku. Avan vaai thagararukke hockey bats, cycle chain, cricket stumps nu eduppan. Thona thona nu pesite iruppan, friends na uyir. Ellame pannitu moonjiya appaviya vechipaan. Edhachum kirukku thanam pannitu amma saree vechi moonjiya moodippan....

Krishna: Enna neenga indha eli pandratha ellam sollitu irukinga na?

Krishna cut him off and Mrini stole his appalam with a glare.

Mrini: Nee poda gaandamirugam.

Krishna: Irundhutu poren di, ana nee eli thaan adhuvum sundeli.

Mrini: Amma paarunga ma indha dinosaur ah...

Raji: Naa enna di panna, avan unmaiya thaane soldran.

The gang laughed while Mrini sulked fakely, wiping her non-existent tears. She laid down on the table, letting out sounds of shrilled cry.

Mrini: Appo naa paasam illaiya?

Ashwin: Paathiya paathiya avana maariye pandratha.

Rakshan: Naa note pannala da ithana naala, ana ippo paatha avanoda lady version maariye irukka. Athaan unakku thani paasama indha eli mela?

Ashwin laughed accepting and knocked Mrini's head lightly. She got up and continued eating, making faces at everyone there.

Rakshan: Iva avane thaan.

Before Ashwin could speak, he saw his Panda coming out rubbing her eyes. He smiled and placed a chair between him and Mrini, making her sit on it.

Ashwin: Enna ma odane ezhundhu vandhutta?

Raji: Dei dei nee velila vandhu forty five minutes aagudhu. Sandai pote ara mani neram pochu, dho indha eli fifteen minutes ah drama potruchu.

Sivaangi laughed with her stuffed mouth as her Ashwin was feeding her continuously.

Mrini: Raji, naa eli na appo neenga adhavadhu en amma peruchali thaane?

Rakshan spit out the water he was drinking and laughed hard seeing Raji's shocked face. Krishna covered his face with an empty plate and joined Rakshan, laughing his heart out. Ashwin bit his lips to stop the laugh that threatened to escape his lips but Sivaangi slapped his bicep and leaned on Mrini, laughing at Raji.

Raji glared at Mrini to which she smiled sheepishly and opened her mouth, asking Raji to feed her. Raji pinched her ear and rubbed it when Mrini screeched in pain.

Raji: Oru nimishathula off pannita la? Naa oru Homo sapien di...

Ashwin: Yevan sonnan Raji? Homo sapien ellam veetuku velila. Veetukulla vandhale animals thaan.

Raji: Idhu enna veeda illa zoo va da?

Rakshan: Epdi venum naalum vechikonga ana neenga periya eli, unga ponnu sundeli, indha Krishna vandhu pannikutty, Sivaangi thango vandhu Panda kutty and last but not the least, indha valandhavan vandhu ottagachivingi.

Ashwin: Seri da kulla vaathu.

Rakshan: Yaara paathu kulla vaathu nu soldra? Paaru thangamma avana....

Sivaangi: Athaane yen Ashwin anna va apdi soldringa? Donald Duck nu azhaga sollunga paa.

Rakshan stared at his non-blooded naughty sister who hid her face behind his best friend. Raji chided and asked them to quickly finish up their lunch. The gang headed to the kitchen to wash up the vessels and again ended up having a drama over there as well.

Sivaangi, Mrinalini and Krishna sat at the living room to complete the miscellaneous exercise while Rakshan and Raji started playing FIFA. Ashwin was busy, correcting the online assignments.

Sivaangi quickly finishes her work and closed her book with a thud. Ashwin giggled when she fisted her palm to punch him and stuck out his tongue. Krishna closed his book and saw Mrini, who was sitting between Raji and Rakshan like a referee.

Ashwin widened his hands and Sivaangi ran into his arms, stuffing herself within him. He held her close and rubbed her back, pressing her right arm.

Ashwin: Assignment ezhudhi kai vali vandhuducha en paapavukku?

Sivaangi sulked, mumbling a yes and Ashwin continued massaging her arm. Krishna laid down just like that on the floor, sighing that he didn't receive any princess treatment.

Krishna: Kanavidhu thaan, nijam ithu thaan....

Rakshan: Apdiye niruthiko, illana adi veluthupuduven.

Krishna: Haan enakkum thaan kai valikudhu....

Rakshan: Adhukku naa enna da panna?

Krishna faked a cry and got hit by a plush pillow. He turned to see Ashwin comforting a snuggling Sivaangi.

Ashwin: Paapa thoonganum, mariyadhaiya vaaiya moodiko.

Sivaangi laughed at a whining Krishna and turned her face, trying to catch some sleep. Krishna smiled when Mrini tapped her lap, asking him to lie down. He mocked Ashwin and Rakshan, lying down on her lap. Raji laughed at these kindergarten kids who were having a fight of stare game but a ringtone stopped them.

Rakshan took out his phone and saw someone important calling him. He attended the call and walked a little away talking to the person. He cut the call and took his bike keys.

Ashwin: Ennachu Raksha? Enga pora?

Rakshan: Poitu vandhu soldren Ashwin.

He sounded a bit serious and Ashwin nodded his head. Rakshan went out while Raji saw a lost Ashwin.

Raji: Enna chellam yosikira?

Ashwin: Onnum illai Raji chellam. Rakshan sounded serious, athaan yosichitu irukken.

Raji: Vandhuduvaan da.

Ashwin hummed and patted a half asleep Sivaangi, still lost. Rakshan was back and Ashwin blinked open his eyes but they widened to their maximum level, seeing someone after a long time. The other person was shocked to see a sleeping girl in Ashwin's arms.

Ashwin tried to get up but failed and sat down, holding Sivaangi. He was at a loss of words and with trembling lips and red eyes, saw the person standing in front of him.

Ashwin: Appa......

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Hello! Back again after a long time.

Hope you all liked this chapter. I haven't proof read it, mistakes irundhal mannikavum.

I'll try to be back soon with the coming updates. Thank you so much for not forgetting this story and I am so thankful and grateful for all your support.

Anbudan,
Mrinalini 💗